Wayne State football player, 22, dies during workout

Serxho Guraleci always had a smile on his face, even when circumstances might have dictated more of a frown.

“We petitioned the state to get him another year of eligibility but it was denied,” recalled Rick Bye, Guraleci’s high school football coach at Stevenson High School in Sterling Heights.

When Guraleci came into the district, Bye said he probably should have been put in the seventh grade but because of his size, he was put in the eighth grade. He could not speak a word of English. His parents are from Albania, and he grew up in Greece.

“Serxho had to repeat the ninth grade because of his language difficulties, and that is why the state said he could not play his senior year. The ruling was that a person has four years of eligibility only and Serxho had used up those four years,” said Bye.

But the smile remained. Even during what should’ve been his senior season, Guraleci never lost that happy demeanor.

“He supported the team. He was around the football team all of the time. He showed tremendous sportsmanship, character and maturity. He was also so lively and always so alive. You just cannot make kids like Serxho Guraleci.”

And now he is gone. Guraleci, 22, who played four seasons at Wayne State University where he was named both Academic All America and second team All-GLIAC, passed away Monday morning while at a workout facility in Macomb County.

He was getting ready for a combine at Grand Valley State University with aspirations to play in either the National Football League or the Canadian Football League.

Guraleci was 6-0, 305 pounds.Guraleci, who completed his athletic eligibility at Wayne State last November, was a four-year (2009-2012) defensive tackle for Coach Paul Winters’ Warriors. He played in all 48 games during his career, starting 25 times.

“This is a devastating loss for the Wayne State football family,” said Winters. “Serxho was loved by everyone. We are all having a hard time understanding this. We will surely miss him.”

He was a 2012 All-GLIAC Second Team selection by the league’s head coaches.

At last month’s WSU Football Banquet, Guraleci was presented the WSU Football Courtney “Cortez” Smith award, which is presented to the WSU football student-athlete who best exemplifies what Smith stood for — “It’s all about Character.”

He was still enrolled at WSU this semester completing degree requirements in kinesiology and secondary education. He earned Wayne State Academic accolades four different semesters and GLIAC All-Academic Team recognition every year he could have been so honored.

“Even though Serxho only played his sophomore and junior years for us, he was an outstanding player. He was the strongest player we ever had,” said Bye. “He was a beast on the field, but a puppy dog in the halls. He was so proud to be an athlete and to be part of the Stevenson program. I know he was very proud to be a part of the Wayne State program, too.”